April 20, 2021
Town of Auburn Cancels Many Summer Events and Activities Due to Covid-19
Please be advised that the Town of Auburn has cancelled its 2021 Summer in the Park Concert Series and its 2021 Independence Day Celebration events due to Covid-19 and associated State Covid Orders. While these signature events are wonderful community activities, the State Orders related to Covid restrictions, including gatherings limitations, facial coverings and social distancing requirements, severely limit the type of activities we can hold and ensure the health and safety of attendees, guests, employees, performers, vendors and volunteers. The concert series and Independence Day events typically attract large crowds which make it difficult if not impossible to adhere to Covid requirements and protocols and ensure the health and safety of attendees.
Sadly, the Town will not be holding its Summer Recreation Camps this summer due to the mandatory Covid restrictions which must be adhered to by summer camp operators. These extensive requirements (i.e. staffing criteria, health and safety protocols) will be extremely difficult to implement. The health and safety of our campers and employees is paramount so we have made this difficult but necessary decision.
In addition, at this time the Town will be unable to continue as the activity organizer for any town-sponsored recreational sports activities (i.e. soccer league, basketball league) that are classified as moderate or high risk activities by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and/or the CDC. This is to mitigate the Town’s liability. We will revisit this if State requirements, protocols and/or classifications are revised over the coming months.
Organized sports leagues can utilize Town fields by applying for a permit through the DPW and complying with all requirements pertaining to the permit. The general public can utilize our parks and fields without a permit but cannot secure a reserved time slot without a permit. The public must comply with all Covid protocols and State Orders including health and safety protocols, gathering limits, social distancing, and face coverings.
We are working to provide new or continue to provide no-contact, low risk outdoor activities for our residents during the Covid pandemic and the Governor’s State of Emergency.
We thank you for your understanding of the measures that we are taking to ensure the health and safety of our residents, employees and visitors. We look forward to returning to these popular events, programs and activities once it is safe to do so.
Warm Regards,
Julie A. Jacobson
Town Manager
